Why can't We See God?
God’s Nature: God is often described as a spiritual being, not confined to a physical form that we can see with our eyes. In John 4:24, it says, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
Human Limitation: Our physical senses are limited and might not be capable of perceiving the divine. In Exodus 33:20, God says to Moses, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
Faith: Christianity emphasizes faith and belief in the unseen. Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
God’s Plan: There might be a divine purpose behind why God remains unseen. It encourages us to seek Him through prayer, scripture, and spiritual experiences.
Mystery of God: The Bible often speaks of the mystery of God. In Colossians 2:2-3, it says, “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” This suggests that part of God’s nature is beyond human comprehension.
Revelation Through Jesus: Christians believe that God revealed Himself through Jesus Christ. In John 1:18, it says, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” Jesus is seen as the visible image of the invisible God, but Jesus was not God, but God's Son.
Spiritual Eyes: Some believe that seeing God requires spiritual insight rather than physical sight. Ephesians 1:18 says, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.”
Future Promise: The Bible also speaks of a future time when believers will see God. In Revelation 22:4, it says, “They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” This suggests that in the afterlife, believers will have the opportunity to see God.
God’s Presence in Creation: Many believe that while we cannot see God directly, we can see His presence in the world around us. Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” This suggests that nature itself is a testament to God’s existence.
Personal Experiences: Many people feel they have experienced God’s presence in their lives through personal experiences, answered prayers, and moments of spiritual insight. These experiences can be deeply personal and affirming, even if they are not visible to others.
Community and Fellowship: Seeing God in the actions and love of others is another way believers feel connected to the divine. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” This emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship in experiencing God’s presence.
Scripture and Worship: Engaging with the Bible and participating in worship are ways believers seek to connect with God. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Through scripture and worship, believers find guidance and a sense of God’s presence.
God’s Immanence and Transcendence: In Christian theology, God is both immanent (present within creation) and transcendent (beyond and independent of creation). This duality means that while God is involved in the world, He is also beyond our full comprehension. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
The Role of the Holy Spirit: Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is God’s presence within us, guiding and comforting believers. John 14:16-17 says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit is seen as a way to experience God’s presence in a personal and intimate manner.
The Beatific Vision: In Christian eschatology, the Beatific Vision refers to the ultimate direct self-communication of God to the individual person. It is believed that in the afterlife, the blessed will experience a direct vision of God. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
Living a Godly Life: Many believe that living according to God’s will and following Jesus’ teachings can bring one closer to experiencing God’s presence. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
God’s Hiddenness: Some theologians discuss the concept of “divine hiddenness,” which suggests that God’s hiddenness serves a purpose. It can be a way to allow for genuine free will and faith. If God’s presence were overwhelmingly obvious, it might compel belief rather than allowing for a freely chosen faith.
Historical Context: Throughout history, there have been moments where people claimed to have seen or experienced God in miraculous ways. These accounts, found in the Bible and other religious texts, often serve as a testament to God’s presence and action in the world. For example, Moses’ encounter with the burning bush (Exodus 3) and Paul’s vision on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).
Symbolism and Metaphor: The Bible often uses symbolic language to describe God. For instance, God is referred to as a shepherd, a rock, and a fortress. These metaphors help convey aspects of God’s character and relationship with humanity, even if they don’t provide a literal visual image.
Personal Relationship: Many believers emphasize the importance of a personal relationship with God. This relationship is nurtured through prayer, meditation, and living according to God’s teachings. It’s a way to experience God’s presence in a deeply personal and meaningful way.
The Role of Doubt: It’s also important to acknowledge that doubt and questioning are natural parts of faith. Many people go through periods of doubt and seek answers to their questions. This journey can lead to a deeper and more mature faith.
These additional points highlight the multifaceted nature of understanding and experiencing God. It’s a journey that involves faith, personal experience, and a willingness to seek and explore. How do you feel about these perspectives? Are there any particular aspects that you find especially meaningful or challenging? Comment Below:
In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.
St. Mykul’s prayer:
“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”
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